News Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu: Ancient Shiva Temples In Shambles Hindu Munnani Criticizes DMK HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu For Neglect

September 7, 2024
The Commune

Ancient temples in Tamil Nadu, managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, have fallen into severe disrepair due to lack of maintenance. Many of these historic structures, once celebrated in Tamil literature through hymns by saints, now face neglect. Notably, the three-story sanctum of some temples is being overtaken by trees and roots, highlighting the urgent need for restoration. Currently, these temples are only receiving minimal upkeep, with only one puja conducted daily.

Pichaleeswarar Shiva Temple

For instance, the Pichaleeswarar Temple in Pondavakkam village near Uthukottai, Thiruvallur District built during Krishna Devaraya’s reign, is in dire condition. The three-tiered gopuram houses deities such as Moolavar Lord Shiva, Kamakshi Amman, Vinayagar, Muruga, Sandikeswarar, Nandi, Bhairava, and Navakrigam. It’s been 50 years since the last Kumbabhishekam (consecration ceremony) was performed here, and no maintenance has occurred for over 30 years. Consequently, the temple’s tower and flagpole (Kodi Maram) are damaged. Although government-organized pujas like Pradosham and Shivratri festivals still take place with the help of devotees, the temple’s condition remains deteriorated.

Additionally, the government has taken one acre of the temple’s original three-acre land for the Krishna river canal project. This move suggests that the government views these ancient temples primarily as sources of revenue rather than valuing their cultural and historical significance. The 1,000-year-old temple tower is in ruins, and devotees are urging the Tamil Nadu government to repair the gopuram and conduct a Kumbabhishekam.

Pallipattu Shiva Temple

Another neglected site is the ancient Shiva temple in Echambadi village near Pallipattu, Tiruvallur Distric. Due to neglect of maintenance, this temple is now in a dilapidated state, with its building and roof overgrown with plants, compromising its structural integrity. The southern entrance of the stone hall is also damaged. Devotees are calling for restoration efforts to preserve the temple.

Agastheeswarar Shiva temple

In Uthiramerur, the Agastheeswarar temple in Kattankulam village, Kancheepuram district is also managed by the HR&CE Department, also faces similar significant damage. This temple, associated with the sage Agathiyar, features a flagpole, an altar, and sanctuaries. However, these structures were destroyed 30 years ago, leaving only the sanctum for Nandi and some artistic pillars. Currently, daily pujas are conducted by local residents, who are appealing to the HR&CE officials to restore this ancient temple to its former glory.

In this regard, the Hindu Munani has criticized HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu, mocking his claim of addressing spiritual concerns while ignoring the state of the dilapidated 1,000-year-old Pichaleeswarar Temple and raised question whether the Dravida model government will shift its approach to the preservation and maintenance of such cultural heritage sites.

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